Mission today: Go visit Arkansas Tech with Luke and Wade.
I am looking forward to my time with these guys. Should be a fun day together. I am praying that I can encourage Wade since things are so rough with the business of late. It could be scary, but I am finding God's Word to be a real comfort to me. Today my reading in Professor Horner's brought me to 2 Samuel 22 which is a parallel to one of my favorite Psalms. Very encouraging on many levels!
I hope and pray I can use this time of trial and struggle to honor Wade and encourage him, as well as teach the kiddos how to honor him as their provider. I also want to show them how to trust the Lord by both my words and my example. We all have opportunity to learn so much through this time of waiting and wondering what God will do and where we might be in a month. Oh, I pray we can honor the Lord and trust Him faithfully, no matter what. Lord, let it begin with me.
I also am learning to be very diligent (and trying to teach the kids) in maintaining what the Lord has given to us; being a giver, not clinging to material things; using our resources as wisely as I am able; thanking God for what He has done, is doing and will continue to do in our lives, home and family; and, finally, praying for God's wisdom during this time and for spiritual growth for all of us. May He change us through this time of trial. May we see more of Him and more of ourselves.
We are so rich in many things! He has done so much in our lives. We have so much to be grateful for. May we never forget. May we never fail to give thanks.
The first verse I read this morning that so encouraged my heart is found in Mark 5:36. A certain man was waiting around to see Jesus, to tell him that his daughter was sick, but before he could get to Jesus, he was told that his daughter had died. Jesus overheard that statement and said to him, "Do not be afraid; only believe."
Lord, help me not be afraid, but help me only believe in You.
November 20, 2009
November 19, 2009
Falling Away......Seeing More Clearly
As I drove to youth group last night, I saw a small house that I had not seen before in the 8 years I have lived out here. Every fall this seems to happen. The leaves fall and there are so many more things in those woods than I ever imagined because I cannot see them when the leaves are on the trees. They are hidden from view as you drive by.
But now that the leaves have fallen fairly quickly, things are popping up all over the place out here. Houses, trailers, ponds......all that seem to be new, but look like they have been there a very long time. Because most of it has been there a very long time.
Looking at these things yesterday, I was struck by the fact that this parallels my life right now. There are things that have been hidden from view because of my busyness. Now that things are being stripped away, it is easier to see what was always there. It's really not the same in that I have never seen them before, but almost like I had forgotten they were there and needed my attention.
It's like the one house in particular that I saw yesterday. You never see it when the leaves are green and covering the trees, but it's probably a good thing. Now as you see it in the fall, it is old and dingy, gray and falling apart. It matches the dead leaves in many ways. It looks abandoned.
It's the same way with the things that God is bringing to light in my life. They have been neglected. They need some extra TLC from me. They just need some nurturing to bring them back to the beautiful things they were created to be.
This will require time, attention, discipline, perseverance, and focus from me. It will mean that I say "no" to selfish desires and "yes" to the needs and desires of others. Looking at the bigger picture is of great importance. It's not about one person. It's not about one thing. It's about the whole. It's about the process. It's about obedience to God's call on my life.
Every little moment spent to make things more beautiful around here (and I am not talking about just decorating my house!) will make this home a warm, cozy haven. It will encourage relationships within the family to be intimate and open with a comfortable-ness that is inviting and satisfying. It will help us weather the storms ahead. Together. In the strength of the Lord.
Thank You, Lord, for stripping away the unimportant to show me the important. Thank You that You walk beside us no matter where You are leading us. Thank You that You are trustworthy. Thank You that You hold the future in Your hands and there is no need for fear. Grow my faith in You. Increase my love for You. Amen.
But now that the leaves have fallen fairly quickly, things are popping up all over the place out here. Houses, trailers, ponds......all that seem to be new, but look like they have been there a very long time. Because most of it has been there a very long time.
Looking at these things yesterday, I was struck by the fact that this parallels my life right now. There are things that have been hidden from view because of my busyness. Now that things are being stripped away, it is easier to see what was always there. It's really not the same in that I have never seen them before, but almost like I had forgotten they were there and needed my attention.
It's like the one house in particular that I saw yesterday. You never see it when the leaves are green and covering the trees, but it's probably a good thing. Now as you see it in the fall, it is old and dingy, gray and falling apart. It matches the dead leaves in many ways. It looks abandoned.
It's the same way with the things that God is bringing to light in my life. They have been neglected. They need some extra TLC from me. They just need some nurturing to bring them back to the beautiful things they were created to be.
This will require time, attention, discipline, perseverance, and focus from me. It will mean that I say "no" to selfish desires and "yes" to the needs and desires of others. Looking at the bigger picture is of great importance. It's not about one person. It's not about one thing. It's about the whole. It's about the process. It's about obedience to God's call on my life.
Every little moment spent to make things more beautiful around here (and I am not talking about just decorating my house!) will make this home a warm, cozy haven. It will encourage relationships within the family to be intimate and open with a comfortable-ness that is inviting and satisfying. It will help us weather the storms ahead. Together. In the strength of the Lord.
Thank You, Lord, for stripping away the unimportant to show me the important. Thank You that You walk beside us no matter where You are leading us. Thank You that You are trustworthy. Thank You that You hold the future in Your hands and there is no need for fear. Grow my faith in You. Increase my love for You. Amen.
November 18, 2009
The Beginning of All Things
As I pray and read about my ministry and mission at home, there are many things that come to my attention that is actually involved. I have listed them in previous posts and they can consume my thought life very easily. There was a time in my life that those thoughts ran through my mind so much that I couldn't sleep. There was always this list of things I was not doing. It haunted me at night, but in the morning things didn't quite seem so bleak. Go figure!
As I think of all of the things that are involved in being a godly wife and mother, my first thoughts fall somewhere along these lines: "I can't do this everyday without my time with Him."
That opens up the beginning of all things to me. Yours might look differently than mine does, but who I am requires that I begin my day with the Lord, both in His Word and in prayer. If I miss this first thing, it is really difficult to get it back.
Take this morning for instance. I took a Zyrtec last night because of my allergies and it made me sleep until 7:30 this morning. I didn't set my alarm because I didn't want the "hung over" feeling from the Zyrtec.
I am usually up at 5:45am just because that is when I like to get up. There is no quiet like the early morning quiet in my house. I stumble to the bathroom, get my warm sweats on in the dark (and with my eyes closed), then make my way to the most important thing to get me going: the coffee pot. I grind my beans and get the coffee going. While it perks along, I find my favorite coffee cup of the moment (right now it's the Taxi Mom one), put the creamer in it, get my Bible/journal/pens to my green chair, set out my coaster, and then start a load of laundry or unload the dishwasher. Sometimes I go ahead and make a fire in the fireplace if I am freezing. I can do those things with my eyes closed.....almost. :)
When the coffee beeps at me to let me know it is done, I pour my coffee and head to my green chair. I have to take a few sips of coffee and take my glasses off to be able to read that early and understand, but it all works for me. I curl up in that chair and begin writing and reading.
Your times with the Lord may look quite differently from mine, but I don't do one thing then the next. I have my journal out, pen in hand, highlighter close by and Bible in hand. I read and as I come across something that convicts, encourages or puzzles me, I write it down in my journal. I don't take a lot of time right then to dig through the questions, but I write what the Lord is laying on my heart right then or I write the verse down to come back to later. If I am convicted, I pray right then. I just share my heart with the Lord as He shares His truth with me. It is like having a conversation with someone in the room. That's what prayer is, right? If there are questions, I come back to them later in the day with a commentary close by or ask a trusted friend or pastor when I see them.
When I get up at 5:45, I am able to spend more than an hour like this. It refreshes me and strengthens me for the day ahead. When I am done reading, I spend more time in prayer: for the day, the needs of my kids or husband, whatever is on my heart and in my mind at the time. These things I tend to write down in my journal to help keep me focused.
I believe it matters what you are doing in your time with the Lord. I mean that it matters that you are in THE WORD, not just a book. However, if you are in the Word, it doesn't matter what "program" you are using or reading schedule. You just need to be in the Word. You might be reading a paragraph from Scripture or many chapters. Find what works for you. The important part is that you are actually meeting with SOMEONE, not just going through the motions to check something off of your list.
I have changed what I do over the years from time to time as my circumstances change, as I get bored with the routine, etc. Right now, I am enjoying reading through Professor Horner's reading schedule. It has been a joy for me to see different parts of Scripture come together to say the same thing. I look forward to my reading time each morning.
If I have this time, by the time my sweet hubby comes out of our bedroom, I am ready to greet him with a smile. When I hear footsteps on the stairs, letting me know the kids are up, I can say good morning with a smile instead of a bark.
Some people like to exercise first and even spend their time in prayer during their run/walk. I have tried that and it doesn't seem to work for me. It takes my body getting awake through my ritual of coffee to get going. I also have to focus so hard on running that I can't focus on prayer at the same time. Maybe one day when running is easier for me, but for now, I cherish my quiet moments in that green chair with the Lord. This place, this time, this routine has been mine now for over 10 years. It is my "home" within my home in the mornings. It is my haven and there is none like it.
So this morning, I missed it. I will have to replicate it in a different way with different noises going on around me. It will require more concentration for me because my mind has already started my day. BUT it will still be worth it.
Find what works for you. Find your place, your time, your routine. One thing is the same for all. You are coming together around the Word to meet with your Lord and Savior. It is a time of worship.
And without this worship, I can't do the ministry He has called me to at home.
As I think of all of the things that are involved in being a godly wife and mother, my first thoughts fall somewhere along these lines: "I can't do this everyday without my time with Him."
That opens up the beginning of all things to me. Yours might look differently than mine does, but who I am requires that I begin my day with the Lord, both in His Word and in prayer. If I miss this first thing, it is really difficult to get it back.
Take this morning for instance. I took a Zyrtec last night because of my allergies and it made me sleep until 7:30 this morning. I didn't set my alarm because I didn't want the "hung over" feeling from the Zyrtec.
I am usually up at 5:45am just because that is when I like to get up. There is no quiet like the early morning quiet in my house. I stumble to the bathroom, get my warm sweats on in the dark (and with my eyes closed), then make my way to the most important thing to get me going: the coffee pot. I grind my beans and get the coffee going. While it perks along, I find my favorite coffee cup of the moment (right now it's the Taxi Mom one), put the creamer in it, get my Bible/journal/pens to my green chair, set out my coaster, and then start a load of laundry or unload the dishwasher. Sometimes I go ahead and make a fire in the fireplace if I am freezing. I can do those things with my eyes closed.....almost. :)
When the coffee beeps at me to let me know it is done, I pour my coffee and head to my green chair. I have to take a few sips of coffee and take my glasses off to be able to read that early and understand, but it all works for me. I curl up in that chair and begin writing and reading.
Your times with the Lord may look quite differently from mine, but I don't do one thing then the next. I have my journal out, pen in hand, highlighter close by and Bible in hand. I read and as I come across something that convicts, encourages or puzzles me, I write it down in my journal. I don't take a lot of time right then to dig through the questions, but I write what the Lord is laying on my heart right then or I write the verse down to come back to later. If I am convicted, I pray right then. I just share my heart with the Lord as He shares His truth with me. It is like having a conversation with someone in the room. That's what prayer is, right? If there are questions, I come back to them later in the day with a commentary close by or ask a trusted friend or pastor when I see them.
When I get up at 5:45, I am able to spend more than an hour like this. It refreshes me and strengthens me for the day ahead. When I am done reading, I spend more time in prayer: for the day, the needs of my kids or husband, whatever is on my heart and in my mind at the time. These things I tend to write down in my journal to help keep me focused.
I believe it matters what you are doing in your time with the Lord. I mean that it matters that you are in THE WORD, not just a book. However, if you are in the Word, it doesn't matter what "program" you are using or reading schedule. You just need to be in the Word. You might be reading a paragraph from Scripture or many chapters. Find what works for you. The important part is that you are actually meeting with SOMEONE, not just going through the motions to check something off of your list.
I have changed what I do over the years from time to time as my circumstances change, as I get bored with the routine, etc. Right now, I am enjoying reading through Professor Horner's reading schedule. It has been a joy for me to see different parts of Scripture come together to say the same thing. I look forward to my reading time each morning.
If I have this time, by the time my sweet hubby comes out of our bedroom, I am ready to greet him with a smile. When I hear footsteps on the stairs, letting me know the kids are up, I can say good morning with a smile instead of a bark.
Some people like to exercise first and even spend their time in prayer during their run/walk. I have tried that and it doesn't seem to work for me. It takes my body getting awake through my ritual of coffee to get going. I also have to focus so hard on running that I can't focus on prayer at the same time. Maybe one day when running is easier for me, but for now, I cherish my quiet moments in that green chair with the Lord. This place, this time, this routine has been mine now for over 10 years. It is my "home" within my home in the mornings. It is my haven and there is none like it.
So this morning, I missed it. I will have to replicate it in a different way with different noises going on around me. It will require more concentration for me because my mind has already started my day. BUT it will still be worth it.
Find what works for you. Find your place, your time, your routine. One thing is the same for all. You are coming together around the Word to meet with your Lord and Savior. It is a time of worship.
And without this worship, I can't do the ministry He has called me to at home.
November 17, 2009
It All Begins with Prayer
I will have to tell you as I am reading and studying (again) about my ministry and mission at home, then I look at my schedule, my life, my house and home, my family's needs.......all I can do is fall on my face in prayer. It is overwhelming to even know where to begin focusing again.
Some things are still in tact and running smoothly because of years of routine and for that, I am thankful. Other things need evaluating and assessing to see where we are. Still others have fallen by the wayside, into the dust, without me really realizing it.
So I begin where any project, endeavor, lifechange needs to start: with prayer. When things seem impossible, I remember that I serve the God of the possible (Matt. 19:26). When my heart still longs for things outside my realm of ministry and mission, it is the Lord Who can once again help me regain focus.
Only the Lord can strengthen me for the task and we have already established that being a godly wife and mom is not an easy job. But God's strength never fails. He never calls me to something that He will not and cannot equip me for. God's Word talks about His strength often (Ex. 15:2; Ps. 28:7; Ps. 46:1; Is. 40:29; I Pet. 4:11).
Today I call on the Lord to be my strength in this wonderful life of ministry and mission here within these four walls. I commit to calling on Him each and every day so that I might depend fully on Him and not on my own strength which will fail me within the hour. Prayer is my lifeline to His strength. In Psalm 18, have you ever noticed what happens when the psalmist calls out to the Lord in verse 6? In verse 7 it reads: "Then." I cried, then God did the following that happens in verses 7 and following. God heard his cry and responded.
God hears our cry and responds. Not always as we wish He would, but in the way that best grows our faith and carries us to Himself. I will cry out for help and He will not disappoint. He will not fail to hear my voice. I believe He desires to answer this prayer for help because He is the One Who has chosen to open my eyes again to where I have neglected this call of ministry and mission.
Yesterday, He kindly showed me a few areas in my kids' lives that are aching for attention. As I heard two of them talking and saw them hurting, I thanked God that He had opened my eyes to really hear them again. Now my prayer is for Him to give me wisdom to know how to instruct, train and guide. Prayer is really the greatest tool in this life of motherhood, isn't it? I will be sharing more on these things later.
Some things are still in tact and running smoothly because of years of routine and for that, I am thankful. Other things need evaluating and assessing to see where we are. Still others have fallen by the wayside, into the dust, without me really realizing it.
So I begin where any project, endeavor, lifechange needs to start: with prayer. When things seem impossible, I remember that I serve the God of the possible (Matt. 19:26). When my heart still longs for things outside my realm of ministry and mission, it is the Lord Who can once again help me regain focus.
Only the Lord can strengthen me for the task and we have already established that being a godly wife and mom is not an easy job. But God's strength never fails. He never calls me to something that He will not and cannot equip me for. God's Word talks about His strength often (Ex. 15:2; Ps. 28:7; Ps. 46:1; Is. 40:29; I Pet. 4:11).
Today I call on the Lord to be my strength in this wonderful life of ministry and mission here within these four walls. I commit to calling on Him each and every day so that I might depend fully on Him and not on my own strength which will fail me within the hour. Prayer is my lifeline to His strength. In Psalm 18, have you ever noticed what happens when the psalmist calls out to the Lord in verse 6? In verse 7 it reads: "Then." I cried, then God did the following that happens in verses 7 and following. God heard his cry and responded.
God hears our cry and responds. Not always as we wish He would, but in the way that best grows our faith and carries us to Himself. I will cry out for help and He will not disappoint. He will not fail to hear my voice. I believe He desires to answer this prayer for help because He is the One Who has chosen to open my eyes again to where I have neglected this call of ministry and mission.
Yesterday, He kindly showed me a few areas in my kids' lives that are aching for attention. As I heard two of them talking and saw them hurting, I thanked God that He had opened my eyes to really hear them again. Now my prayer is for Him to give me wisdom to know how to instruct, train and guide. Prayer is really the greatest tool in this life of motherhood, isn't it? I will be sharing more on these things later.
November 16, 2009
New Title.......Renewed Vision
There are often times out here on our "mountain" that we have fog. Driving through the fog, I can only see dimly. There is a haze everywhere, but once I drive through the other side, things appear so clear and bright. Often times, things are so much clearer once we have gone a mile or so toward town.
Similarly, the Lord has taken me through a time of refocus in my mission, my ministry here on earth for "such a time as this." There have been several things happen of late here in our home that God has used to get my attention, to let me know that I had lost focus and had been walking around in the fog for a while when it comes to ministry in my home.
I had let good things become a distraction and let more important things go here at home. There had been some unintentional trading of "good, better and best" things in life. Trading of ministry and mission inside our own home for outside ministry.
Now I have known for a long time that my first and foremost ministry lies within the walls of this house. I would have counseled other friends and moms that way. I have read lots and lots of books on the subject. I have even done good Bible studies about my ministry and mission at home. I have always felt that my greatest mission field and ministry is here in this home with my best friend and hubby, Wade, as well as my four kids: Luke, Leah, Lydia and Grant.
But somewhere over the past year or two, I have let that vision become foggy. It has not been lost completely, but I am waking up to the fact that I have been settled into a routine, instead of passionately giving my all to it. There have been corners cut to make things still work without the attention to details that make this a warm, safe haven for all to come to at the end of long days at school and work.
Busyness has been the biggest thief of all. I have not regarded my time as precious and given it the highest value. I have bought into some of the thinking of the world, even if it is other's view of what life should look like as a believer in a local church.
Busyness leads me to these shortcuts that I see right now: constantly feeling behind in lots of jobs like laundry, less than healthy meals, no time for exercise and well-being of me and my family, less conversations happening, Bible time in the mornings becoming less frequent, mind being jammed-packed with "to do" lists instead of having the ability (or desire at times) to listen well, rushing through my own private worship times, irregular sleep habits, forgetting important dates and events, seeing less and less of extended family members.......and this list could go on. I am sure the Lord will continue to show me where my home is affected.
I am remembering that my life and call will not always look the same as my neighbor's or my friend's. The ministry and mission that God has given me may have a lot of similiarities of ladies around me, but my mission and ministry has been handpicked by God. It is unique and one-of-a-kind. What makes it unique? The people in this family. In this home. Each one was created in the image of God and each one has special needs that God has given me the privilege to seek to meet.
My call is unique because it is in partnership with my dear hubby, Wade. We decide together what is important for our home and family. We choose how to spend our time, money and energy. His desires and habits mingled with mine help define our homelife.
Now I know that I can't meet all of anyone's needs, but as a wife and mom, I am here to do certain things to meet needs of those around me. God is waking me up from the nap I have been taking to see that I could do a better job than I have been doing. Now my family might not notice, but maybe they have noticed, but would never say anything. They are nice that way. Maybe they will notice when I correct it and come out of the fog, putting them first again.
There are many areas that this involves. I am asking the Lord to help me one area at a time, to show me where I have lost focus, where I am not doing my best and then to help me correct it. It can be overwhelming, I know, to think about all that I do in a day: wife, friend, lover, confidant, mother, counselor, teacher, disciplinarian, trainer, chef, laundry mat worker, janitor, visionary, caterer, vacation planner, financial counselor/advisor, scheduler, driver, shopper (and I HATE shopping!), inventory clerk, coach, piano instructor, librarian, memory coach, decorator, organizer.......and the list goes on and on, as you all well know.
The Lord has been convicting me lately that I have lost sight of the most important ministry in my life. I have given up the vision for a day-to-day grind that is not always enjoyable. A project with vision and passion is much more desirable, don't you think? I want to enjoy my times in the house with these five wonderful people instead of prodding them along, ignoring them in the process of marking something off of my list and making their lives miserable and eventually pushing them out of the house without a desire to return for a while.
So I am on journey with the Lord to see where I have neglected my home and family and where He desires me to improve and give more of my time and attention. Though I have been convicted, I am also very excited about this! This is what I was created to do and be. God designed me for this job that He has given to me and I have a desire to do it well, as unto the Lord.
It can get monotonous and wearisome, at times, but it is also very satisfying and fulfilling.
I am about to begin a new study on Proverbs 31. Oh, no! I can hear some of you moaning already. I am excited! I haven't studied this passage for this purpose (personally) for a while now. I am asking the Lord for conviction, repentance, creativity and perseverance. I'll let you know how things are going as I study and seek to apply what God is showing me.
I am going to use Scripture mostly, but also a few books that I have read before that I know will help me. I'll be sharing reviews of them as I go along.
I'm so glad to be out of the fog. Now to learn to drive again carefully in the bright sunshine of ministry and mission.
Similarly, the Lord has taken me through a time of refocus in my mission, my ministry here on earth for "such a time as this." There have been several things happen of late here in our home that God has used to get my attention, to let me know that I had lost focus and had been walking around in the fog for a while when it comes to ministry in my home.
I had let good things become a distraction and let more important things go here at home. There had been some unintentional trading of "good, better and best" things in life. Trading of ministry and mission inside our own home for outside ministry.
Now I have known for a long time that my first and foremost ministry lies within the walls of this house. I would have counseled other friends and moms that way. I have read lots and lots of books on the subject. I have even done good Bible studies about my ministry and mission at home. I have always felt that my greatest mission field and ministry is here in this home with my best friend and hubby, Wade, as well as my four kids: Luke, Leah, Lydia and Grant.
But somewhere over the past year or two, I have let that vision become foggy. It has not been lost completely, but I am waking up to the fact that I have been settled into a routine, instead of passionately giving my all to it. There have been corners cut to make things still work without the attention to details that make this a warm, safe haven for all to come to at the end of long days at school and work.
Busyness has been the biggest thief of all. I have not regarded my time as precious and given it the highest value. I have bought into some of the thinking of the world, even if it is other's view of what life should look like as a believer in a local church.
Busyness leads me to these shortcuts that I see right now: constantly feeling behind in lots of jobs like laundry, less than healthy meals, no time for exercise and well-being of me and my family, less conversations happening, Bible time in the mornings becoming less frequent, mind being jammed-packed with "to do" lists instead of having the ability (or desire at times) to listen well, rushing through my own private worship times, irregular sleep habits, forgetting important dates and events, seeing less and less of extended family members.......and this list could go on. I am sure the Lord will continue to show me where my home is affected.
I am remembering that my life and call will not always look the same as my neighbor's or my friend's. The ministry and mission that God has given me may have a lot of similiarities of ladies around me, but my mission and ministry has been handpicked by God. It is unique and one-of-a-kind. What makes it unique? The people in this family. In this home. Each one was created in the image of God and each one has special needs that God has given me the privilege to seek to meet.
My call is unique because it is in partnership with my dear hubby, Wade. We decide together what is important for our home and family. We choose how to spend our time, money and energy. His desires and habits mingled with mine help define our homelife.
Now I know that I can't meet all of anyone's needs, but as a wife and mom, I am here to do certain things to meet needs of those around me. God is waking me up from the nap I have been taking to see that I could do a better job than I have been doing. Now my family might not notice, but maybe they have noticed, but would never say anything. They are nice that way. Maybe they will notice when I correct it and come out of the fog, putting them first again.
There are many areas that this involves. I am asking the Lord to help me one area at a time, to show me where I have lost focus, where I am not doing my best and then to help me correct it. It can be overwhelming, I know, to think about all that I do in a day: wife, friend, lover, confidant, mother, counselor, teacher, disciplinarian, trainer, chef, laundry mat worker, janitor, visionary, caterer, vacation planner, financial counselor/advisor, scheduler, driver, shopper (and I HATE shopping!), inventory clerk, coach, piano instructor, librarian, memory coach, decorator, organizer.......and the list goes on and on, as you all well know.
The Lord has been convicting me lately that I have lost sight of the most important ministry in my life. I have given up the vision for a day-to-day grind that is not always enjoyable. A project with vision and passion is much more desirable, don't you think? I want to enjoy my times in the house with these five wonderful people instead of prodding them along, ignoring them in the process of marking something off of my list and making their lives miserable and eventually pushing them out of the house without a desire to return for a while.
So I am on journey with the Lord to see where I have neglected my home and family and where He desires me to improve and give more of my time and attention. Though I have been convicted, I am also very excited about this! This is what I was created to do and be. God designed me for this job that He has given to me and I have a desire to do it well, as unto the Lord.
It can get monotonous and wearisome, at times, but it is also very satisfying and fulfilling.
I am about to begin a new study on Proverbs 31. Oh, no! I can hear some of you moaning already. I am excited! I haven't studied this passage for this purpose (personally) for a while now. I am asking the Lord for conviction, repentance, creativity and perseverance. I'll let you know how things are going as I study and seek to apply what God is showing me.
I am going to use Scripture mostly, but also a few books that I have read before that I know will help me. I'll be sharing reviews of them as I go along.
I'm so glad to be out of the fog. Now to learn to drive again carefully in the bright sunshine of ministry and mission.
November 15, 2009
Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday night is my time to think about my week and make my lists. This week I am thinking about more than just this week. Thanksgiving week is on my mind.
My parents' 50th wedding anniversary falls on Thanksgiving Day this year. I am one of five kids and we are cooking Thanksgiving dinner for mom this year. She will have plenty of meals to plan since a lot of the family will be at her house all that week. Wade is even going to pull our fifth wheel up to their house for us to stay in some during that week. With the many kids that will be there, we will need a quiet sanctuary during certain times of the day, right?
My sister, Rene', is coming into town next Sunday. She and I are going up to my mom's either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning of that week. We are wanting to do all of the cooking and just visit with Mom as we cook. It should be a good week together in the kitchen. And I love cooking.
Our menu for Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be:
Turkey
Ham (yes, we always have both)
Cornbread Dressing (Mom's recipe)
Buttered Corn
Green Beans Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Broccoli/Cheese Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Seven Layer Salad
Strawberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Sauce
Deviled Eggs
Yeast Rolls
Desserts will be:
Pecan Pie
Sock-It-To-Me Cake (instead of carrot)
Coconut Cream Pie
Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Cobbler (Rene's recipe)
I am hoping to try a few recipes during the week that I have not made for my extended family such as:
Bruschetta/Olive Oil Toasted baguette
Cinnamon Rolls
Cheese Grits
Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I will be taking a mini-trip with my sister, Rene', (and maybe my mom) to Branson. My family will join us on Thursday, along with my parents, to see the Christmas lights. I can't wait to have a few days of reading, crocheting, watching old movies, walking/running and doing it without kids. Rene' and Mom enjoy doing the same things I do with their down time, so it will be relaxing and I will not feel like I have to worry about whether they are having a good time or not.
I used to get away twice a year to scrapbook for the weekend, but over the past couple of years, we have had crops here and included the kids. Those weekends away helped me "recover" mentally and emotionally from the 24/7-ness of parenting and homeschooling.
My kids don't understand why they can't come with us for the three days we will go up before them. Wade is trying to explain to them the benefits of it and why it is important for me and them, but then again they don't have to totally understand. One day they will. The older kids have school that week anyway. I am looking forward to the rest and it will be much needed after a week of cooking and visiting with family.
So my kids will stay here. Lydia and Grant can do a small bit of school without me (at Tom and Nancy's on the days that Luke and Leah have co-op) and then stay here at night with Wade. They can do part of their list on their own and get their chores done while I am gone. They will be so ready to see me by Thursday! And I will be ready to see them, too. They are great kids.
So this week, I will be hitting school hard (since we will have almost 2 weeks off) and preparing for Thanksgiving Day Dinner with some fun activities for the kids and grocery shopping. I am hoping the kids will be able to make the place cards for the table.......you know the apple one????? We love that one. We'll see how that comes along this week.
Looking forward to a week in the kitchen. I love, love, love cooking. Speaking of cooking, I am trying my friend, Kim's, recipe for Kale, Lentils and Sweet Potato Soup. Hope the family likes it. I am really making it for me. No meat, but lots of good veggies!
Have a great week! Hope you get a lot done. Attack those lists! But begin it all with the Lord. Only by His strength can we do what He has called us to do this week. May we do it in a way that honors Him and makes His strength shine!
My parents' 50th wedding anniversary falls on Thanksgiving Day this year. I am one of five kids and we are cooking Thanksgiving dinner for mom this year. She will have plenty of meals to plan since a lot of the family will be at her house all that week. Wade is even going to pull our fifth wheel up to their house for us to stay in some during that week. With the many kids that will be there, we will need a quiet sanctuary during certain times of the day, right?
My sister, Rene', is coming into town next Sunday. She and I are going up to my mom's either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning of that week. We are wanting to do all of the cooking and just visit with Mom as we cook. It should be a good week together in the kitchen. And I love cooking.
Our menu for Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be:
Turkey
Ham (yes, we always have both)
Cornbread Dressing (Mom's recipe)
Buttered Corn
Green Beans Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Broccoli/Cheese Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Seven Layer Salad
Strawberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Sauce
Deviled Eggs
Yeast Rolls
Desserts will be:
Pecan Pie
Sock-It-To-Me Cake (instead of carrot)
Coconut Cream Pie
Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Cobbler (Rene's recipe)
I am hoping to try a few recipes during the week that I have not made for my extended family such as:
Bruschetta/Olive Oil Toasted baguette
Cinnamon Rolls
Cheese Grits
Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup
The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I will be taking a mini-trip with my sister, Rene', (and maybe my mom) to Branson. My family will join us on Thursday, along with my parents, to see the Christmas lights. I can't wait to have a few days of reading, crocheting, watching old movies, walking/running and doing it without kids. Rene' and Mom enjoy doing the same things I do with their down time, so it will be relaxing and I will not feel like I have to worry about whether they are having a good time or not.
I used to get away twice a year to scrapbook for the weekend, but over the past couple of years, we have had crops here and included the kids. Those weekends away helped me "recover" mentally and emotionally from the 24/7-ness of parenting and homeschooling.
My kids don't understand why they can't come with us for the three days we will go up before them. Wade is trying to explain to them the benefits of it and why it is important for me and them, but then again they don't have to totally understand. One day they will. The older kids have school that week anyway. I am looking forward to the rest and it will be much needed after a week of cooking and visiting with family.
So my kids will stay here. Lydia and Grant can do a small bit of school without me (at Tom and Nancy's on the days that Luke and Leah have co-op) and then stay here at night with Wade. They can do part of their list on their own and get their chores done while I am gone. They will be so ready to see me by Thursday! And I will be ready to see them, too. They are great kids.
So this week, I will be hitting school hard (since we will have almost 2 weeks off) and preparing for Thanksgiving Day Dinner with some fun activities for the kids and grocery shopping. I am hoping the kids will be able to make the place cards for the table.......you know the apple one????? We love that one. We'll see how that comes along this week.
Looking forward to a week in the kitchen. I love, love, love cooking. Speaking of cooking, I am trying my friend, Kim's, recipe for Kale, Lentils and Sweet Potato Soup. Hope the family likes it. I am really making it for me. No meat, but lots of good veggies!
Have a great week! Hope you get a lot done. Attack those lists! But begin it all with the Lord. Only by His strength can we do what He has called us to do this week. May we do it in a way that honors Him and makes His strength shine!
November 9, 2009
Another sleepless night......didn't get to sleep until 4am. I'm not sure what is going on, but praying God will give me His strength today.
In my reading today, a short phrase has jumped out at me in Psalm 105. In this Psalm, Asaph is recounting truths about God. He is remembering His faithfulness, His works, His promises. He tells some of the history of God's faithfulness to the people of Israel and as he talks about God's faithfulness in the life of Joseph, he writes:
"Moreover, He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread. He sent a man before them--Joseph--who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. UNTIL THE TIME THAT HIS WORD CAME TO PASS, the word of the Lord tested him. The sent and released him, the ruler of his people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom." (vv. 16-22).
"Until the time that His word came to pass." That is the phrase that keeps running through my mind. Joseph had to endure MUCH while waiting on God's Word to come to pass. It was much more than anything I have ever gone through and longer than any period of waiting I have found myself in. He must have wondered what God was up to or where He was in his life.
I have written before that I find myself in a holding pattern, in a waiting period regarding some things in my life, some prayer requests in my heart. I have waited a while on some things. Others not as long. I find waiting one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. Moving forward or backward is almost better to me than standing still in the waiting time. My mind and feelings are finite. I can't understand God's timing well or that a day is as a thousand years to Him. All I know is that it seems like forever to me because I like instant gratification on this earth. I want my prayers answered yesterday and in the way in which brings me the greatest comfort and relief.
Yet this phrase today gives me strength and hope. I don't even know if I can put into words why it encourages my heart. Maybe because it reveals to me again God's sovereignty over all that happens in my life. I know that I serve a trustworthy God. Rest comes from relying on Him, remembering His work, His power. This phrase reminds me that He is in total control, working His plan when He desires to. It is not according to my desires or wishes, but according to His perfect, loving plan for me and mine.
His plan involves waiting a lot of times. His plan requires trust and dependence. It means I have to relinquish control (like I ever really have it in the first place). It means I have to deny myself and fall into His arms with a great faith much like our youth have to fall into the arms of their classmates in an exercise of trust we do at retreat. However, God's arms will NEVER fail.
It is a reminder to me that my heart is desperately wicked, who can know it. I desire ease and comfort. He desires maturity and greater faith. I pray for an end to trials. He longs for me to see HIM in the midst of the trial. What I want will not bring me to a greater faith or maturity in Christ. It will leave me weak and independent in my thinking. What He works for me will bring me a clearer picture of who I am and Who He is, becoming totally dependent on Him for everything in my life.
Lord, I long to wait "until the time that Your word comes to pass" in the things that threaten to push me off course in this journey of faith. Make me long for spiritual maturity and increased faith, not comfort or ease. Give me Your strength to endure to the end, no matter how long it takes. Remind me that Your word WILL come to pass. It always does. And in the meantime, You will walk with me, beside me, upholding me with Your righteous, right hand. Amen.
In my reading today, a short phrase has jumped out at me in Psalm 105. In this Psalm, Asaph is recounting truths about God. He is remembering His faithfulness, His works, His promises. He tells some of the history of God's faithfulness to the people of Israel and as he talks about God's faithfulness in the life of Joseph, he writes:
"Moreover, He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread. He sent a man before them--Joseph--who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. UNTIL THE TIME THAT HIS WORD CAME TO PASS, the word of the Lord tested him. The sent and released him, the ruler of his people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom." (vv. 16-22).
"Until the time that His word came to pass." That is the phrase that keeps running through my mind. Joseph had to endure MUCH while waiting on God's Word to come to pass. It was much more than anything I have ever gone through and longer than any period of waiting I have found myself in. He must have wondered what God was up to or where He was in his life.
I have written before that I find myself in a holding pattern, in a waiting period regarding some things in my life, some prayer requests in my heart. I have waited a while on some things. Others not as long. I find waiting one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. Moving forward or backward is almost better to me than standing still in the waiting time. My mind and feelings are finite. I can't understand God's timing well or that a day is as a thousand years to Him. All I know is that it seems like forever to me because I like instant gratification on this earth. I want my prayers answered yesterday and in the way in which brings me the greatest comfort and relief.
Yet this phrase today gives me strength and hope. I don't even know if I can put into words why it encourages my heart. Maybe because it reveals to me again God's sovereignty over all that happens in my life. I know that I serve a trustworthy God. Rest comes from relying on Him, remembering His work, His power. This phrase reminds me that He is in total control, working His plan when He desires to. It is not according to my desires or wishes, but according to His perfect, loving plan for me and mine.
His plan involves waiting a lot of times. His plan requires trust and dependence. It means I have to relinquish control (like I ever really have it in the first place). It means I have to deny myself and fall into His arms with a great faith much like our youth have to fall into the arms of their classmates in an exercise of trust we do at retreat. However, God's arms will NEVER fail.
It is a reminder to me that my heart is desperately wicked, who can know it. I desire ease and comfort. He desires maturity and greater faith. I pray for an end to trials. He longs for me to see HIM in the midst of the trial. What I want will not bring me to a greater faith or maturity in Christ. It will leave me weak and independent in my thinking. What He works for me will bring me a clearer picture of who I am and Who He is, becoming totally dependent on Him for everything in my life.
Lord, I long to wait "until the time that Your word comes to pass" in the things that threaten to push me off course in this journey of faith. Make me long for spiritual maturity and increased faith, not comfort or ease. Give me Your strength to endure to the end, no matter how long it takes. Remind me that Your word WILL come to pass. It always does. And in the meantime, You will walk with me, beside me, upholding me with Your righteous, right hand. Amen.
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